Parenting

Marian Wright Edelman is the founder of the Children's Defense Fund, a Washington advocacy group that works to prevent teen pregnancy, and provide for children's health, education and employment. The Los Angeles Times has called her "the most powerful advocate in America for children." She was the first black woman admitted to the bar in Mississippi.

Columnist Richard Louv is a columnist at the San Diego Union. He spent three years speaking with almost three thousand parents, children, and educators for his new book, "Childhood's Future," which looks at the problems facing families today, many of which stem from the lack of meaningful time together.

The feminist scholar looks at how women in dual-career partnerships are often responsible for most of the unpaid domestic work. Hochschild joins Fresh Air to discuss why men don't share this labor equally with their partners, and the toll this inequity takes on working women.

The holiday has been a perpetual cause of stress for children since it was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. Guest commentator Ilene Segalove reflects on the anxiety she felt over the years deciding on the perfect gift for her own mother, only to realize that something simple, homemade, and from the heart was best.

Psychologist Judith Wallerstein completed a long-term study to learn the effects of divorce on families, especially on children. She says that kids often bear the responsibility of giving their parents emotional support, and that the impact on the children's own lives often won't manifest itself until years later.

At 85, Dr. Benjamin Spock has written and published a new book of parenting advice. Spock's philosophy is informed by both his medical and psychological training. In the 1960s, when he was in his 60s, Spock protested against the Vietnam War -- a decision which was not popular with all his readers.

British child development expert Penelope Leach. Leach is considered one of the foremost authorities on child care. Leach has said of her work that it is for the moments "when love is impossible ... the seventh time that night that you've woken up and you wonder `is it mine or do all babies behave like this?'" Her books include Your Baby & Child: From Birth to Age Five, Babyhood, Your Baby and Child and The First Six Months. (Interview by Faith Middleton)

Former New York Times reporter Joyce Maynard moved to New Hampshire to start a family, where she started her Domestic Affairs column, which examines her new life as a writer and mother. A book of the same name has just been published.

Tipper Gore, wife of Tennessee senator Albert Gore, is concerned with the increasingly violent and sexual nature of popular music's lyrics, videos, and culture. She believes that record companies should alert consumers to an album's explicit content so parents can make informed decision regarding what their children listen to.

Two members of the Philadelphia-based support group called Parents of Gays join Fresh Air talk about how they grew to accept their children's sexual orientation, and how they help other parents do the same. To ensure anonymity, the members only use their first names.